inside - university of floridaufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/uf/00/09/92/20/00002/newsletter95.pdf · mr....

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JThttp://www.antigua-barbuda.com

ISSUE No.95 January 2005

Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970

Inside• PM’s Statement on the proposal for new facilities at V C Bird

International Airport (page 1)• First woman to act as Prime Minister in Antigua and Barbuda (page 3)• Attorney General condemns bombing of Mansoor family business (page 5)• IMF Executive Director visits Antigua and Barbuda (page 8)• Sail away in Antigua (page 10)

Digital Photographs by Maurice F. Merchant

Greetings!

On 13th and 14th January 2005 I,along with my fellow Ambassadors, attendedthe Marketing Workshop held under theauspices of the Minister of Tourism and CivilAviation, Harold Lovell at the Curtain BluffHotel in Antigua.

The workshop focused on nationalbranding in the tourism sector. MarketingDestination Antigua and Barbuda as a placeto do business. Our brand goals are tomanage Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation,changing minds and reshaping opinions; toexplain Antigua and Barbuda in a way thatsets us apart and to impart a certainaspirational aura about Antigua and Barbudathat says ‘come let us inspire you’.

In his presentation, the Minister gavean overview of tourism in Antigua andBarbuda. He stated that there was a 11.7%increase in stayover visitor arrivals from theUK, USA and the Caribbean. 45% increasein cruise visitor arrivals and continuous

growth is projected in this sector to reach 600,000visitors per year.

The workshop provided a unique opportunityfor our overseas offices to develop an integratedapproach to the marketing of Antigua and Barbuda,and to advise on the overall development of theindustry by sharing views on the status of tourism inAntigua and Barbuda and recommending appropriateactions.

He identified the many challenges facing thetourist industry, namely:

• Airlift • Infrastructure • Multi-Stakeholder Approach • Investment • Delivery of quality

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer visited theworkshop and encouraged the participants to attackthe travel market vigorously, outlining that theworkshop was vital to ensuring a common approach inmarketing the country by the overseas offices. He saidthat his government is committed to supporting theexecution of the action plan formulated and will beworking towards addressing the problems affecting theindustry.

According to the Prime Minister, Budget 2005was the first year that substantial funding had beenallocated for tourism development and marketing,however, effective planning and execution is requiredto ensure success in developing Antigua and Barbudaas the best brand in Caribbean Tourism.

The Workshop ended on a positive note withthe Minister of Tourism stating - “A boom in the tourismindustry will make the streets of our city and villageslivelier. This will improve overall market sentiment,stimulate local consumption, boost growth in relatedsectors and contribute to the creation of wealth. This isindeed an exciting time for tourism and I look forwardto all us taking this wonderful and exciting journey.”

Dr Carl B. RobertsHigh Commissioner

Issue No. 95 January 2005

1

Statement from the PrimeMinister on the proposal fornew facilities at V C BirdInternational Airport While welcoming public interestand comment on the proposal for newfacilities at VC Bird International Airport,Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, becameconcerned about the content and sourcesof a number of public statements byparticipants in the process now underway.

Following is the Prime Minister’s Statementon the issue:

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation ischarged with negotiating a draft agreementfor a franchise for new facilities at VC BirdInternational Airport. When completed,that agreement will be considered by theCabinet of Antigua and Barbuda.

“I am concerned at the sourcesand content of a number of publicstatements by participants in the processnow underway.

“I do, however, credit the ensuingpublic discussions with bringing to light anumber of issues that, on the surface, callfor investigation.

“The assertion that theGovernment has no basis for calculatingand does not track the airport’s revenueand expenditure streams is withoutfoundation.

“The airport’s cash flows areroutinely computed and factored into theannual budget, as well as into the Ministryof Finance’s monthly disbursements.

“Indeed, while portions of therevenue generated by the airport arecommitted to specific creditors, thoserevenues are, from time to time, utilized formeeting the monthly public service wagebills.

“I utterly reject theassertion that the financialmarkets are not prepared toprovide funding to theGovernment of Antigua andBarbuda against the airport’srevenue streams.

“The recentGovernment bond issue toachieve a significant write off andfull settlement of the Devcon loanwas fully and immediatelysubscribed.

“ABI is poised to launcha US$100 Million bond issue on behalf ofthe Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

“It is expected that these fundswill be fully subscribed on the local,regional and international financialmarkets.

“The country’s improvingstanding in the international financialcommunity ought not to be dismissed withthe facility which participants in the airportbid are demonstrating.

“It is fallacious to describe theproposed airport franchise as the firstmajor investment project to be actionedduring the tenure of the SunshineGovernment.

“For example, the La Perla Livingproject, budgeted at well in excess of $80million, was launched last year, and isreported to be progressing satisfactorily.

“It is regrettable that participantsin the approvals process for the AntiguaAirport Group proposal have opted toengage in public lobbying on a matter thatis still to be determined by Cabinet.

“Also regrettable is the facilitywith which a number of persons are usingthe media for innuendos and chargespatently intended to discredit namedindividuals and organisations that areperipheral to the AAG bid.”

Honorary Consul to SouthKorea pays courtesy call onPrime Minister Spencer On the 20th January, Antigua and

Barbuda’s Honorary Consul to SouthKorea, Mr. Sung Hee Rhee, helddiscussions with Prime Minister andMinister of Foreign Affairs, BaldwinSpencer on the Development of a Plan ofAction for 2005.

Prime Minister Spencer outlinedthat his government’s foreign policyincludes utilising the country’s diplomats,and relations with friendly countries topromote the tourism sector andinvestment opportunities in Antigua andBarbuda.

To that end, Mr. Sung Hee Rheemet the Director of the IndustrialDevelopment Board Ms. Gaye Hechmeand the Director General of Tourism Ms.Shirlene Nibbs to work out in detail the wayforward.

Mr. Sung Hee Rhee also metAmbassador Colin Murdoch, PermanentSecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairsand Captain Jurgen Wendler, the Directorof Marine Services and MerchantShipping.

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT

Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com


2

$10M Government-StanfordAlliance for Empowerment ofEntrepreneurs commences On the 19th January, the Ministerof Finance and the Economy, Dr Errol Cortand a delegation from his Ministry held ameeting with officials of the StanfordFinancial Group and the Antigua andBarbuda Development Bank to concretizeone of the policies outlined in Budget 2005,

which is, to empowerentrepreneurs,specifically micro andsmall business personsin Antigua andBarbuda.

The Antiguaand BarbudaDevelopment Bank willbe disbursing the $10million fund providedby the StanfordFinancial Group.

The Ministersaid that it is the

intention of the government to empowerthe small businessmen and women inAntigua and Barbuda. “We recognise thatsmall businesses suffer tremendously frommany difficulties including their ability toaccess funds and not having enoughsecurity which makes their proposals tobanks for assistance not bankable. As agovernment, we recognise the need tostep in and provide a facility that willrecognise these deficiencies but never-the-less allow a fair opportunity for small

business persons to thrive in this country,”outlined Minister Cort.

“Small micro businesses form acore in the economic sector of this countryand therefore the government wishes toensure that the sector flourishes. Smallbusiness persons will be able to accessfinancing through the Antigua andBarbuda Development Bank atconcessionary rates and on terms that willbe much more generous than a normalbankable proposal,” Dr. Cort added.

“We will also use this facility tochannel those public servants who aredesirous of voluntary separation. As acaring government we wish for them to beable to make a reasonable livelihood andthus we will be providing the necessaryfunding to make that possible,” he said.

The funds will provide financingof up to $50,000 to support micro andsmall business ventures owned byAntiguans and Barbudans. The StanfordFinancial Group will also provide technicalsupport and counselling for this project,which will operate through the Antigua andBarbuda Development Bank.



On the 1st February, the Policelaunched an investigation into the earlymorning bombing of the Hitachi CentreCompound on Market Street which housesthe Medical Practice and Clinic of newlyappointed Minister responsible forInformation, Broadcasting andCommunications, Dr. Edmond Mansoor.

At around 2:15 am on the saidmorning police rushed to the scene of anexplosion which rocked nearby buildingsand was heard for miles on the outskirts ofSt. John’s.

According to Commissioner ofPolice, Rolston Pompey, the device used inthe bombing is a new phenomenon toAntigua and Barbuda because it wasapparently packed with hundreds of 2 ½inch cement nails which destroyed the steelgate entrance of the premises and pierced

the walls and glass showcases of nearbybusiness places.

Police Commissioner Pompeyalthough refusing to link recent attacks onthe Mansoor family in the media by knownpersons sympathetic to another politicalparty in Antigua and Barbuda to thebombing, said that both incidents are beinginvestigated and are being treatedseparately.

Minister Mansoor has been thesubject of numerous talk shows and call inprogrammes on the island after he quoteda statement from the United ProgressiveParty Election Manifesto which madereference, unfavourable to some, to the latePrime Minister of the country V.C. Bird Sr.The attacks in the media on Mansoor, whois Antiguan and Barbudan by birth ofMiddle Eastern parentage, have ranged

from racial comments to being referred toas “Al-Qaeda looking.” Mansoor recentlyfiled official complaints about thecomments to the police.

Commissioner Pompey said in astatement that the attack was designed todrive fear into persons and his departmentis not taking the occurrence lightly and willbe deploying additional officers to patrolthe streets and investigate the matter.

Dr. Edmond Mansoor, who is amedial practitioner, has worked in politicsfor a number of years and is credited as oneof the architects of the campaign strategywhich unseated former Prime MinisterLester Bird in the constituency of St. John’sRural East during the March 2004 generalelections.

Police investigates early morning bombing of Minister’s family business

Antigua and Barbuda andChile commencenegotiations on Agriculturaland Language TrainingProjects On the 20th January Antigua andBarbuda received a Chilean delegationlead by Ambassador Alfonso Silva. Thedelegation also included the ExecutiveDirector of the Chilean Agency forInternational Cooperation, Mr. MarceloRozas and Arturo Vergara who is anExecutive Member of the Agency.

Antigua and Barbuda wasrepresented by the Permanent Secretaryin the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Ambassador Colin Murdoch, MinisterJoanne Massiah, Minister of State in theMinistry of Agriculture who has specialresponsibility for Marine Affairs and FoodProduction and Ambassador Joan H.Underwood, Non-Resident Ambassador toVenezuela and South America. Alsopresent at the meeting were MessrsLesroy Grant, the Deputy Director of

Agriculture, Astley Joseph, LivestockOfficer in the Veterinary Division and JuliusRoss from CARDI.

The one-day visit was designedto advance discussions between the twocountries about planned collaboration inthe areas of agriculture and languagetraining. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencerinitiated the discussion last June whileattending the European Union-LatinAmerica and the Caribbean Summit inMexico. Since then, Antigua and Barbudahas submitted five project proposals forconsideration by the Chileans.

Based on the preliminary reviewof these proposals, both countries areoptimistic that a mutually beneficial systemof technical cooperation can beimplemented within the short-term. To thisend, both parties agreed that twotechnicians from Chile – one specializingin agriculture and the other in fisheries –would travel to Antigua in February toevaluate the specific projects and thatChile would host a technical delegationfrom Antigua later in the year.

Ambassador Silva also took theopportunity to extend an invitation toPrime Minister Baldwin Spencer to visitSantiago in the near future.

Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandroappointed Antigua andBarbuda’s first womanActing Prime Minister

Minister of Labour, PublicAdministration and EmpowermentDr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro has becomethe first woman to be appointed ActingPrime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

On the 20th January 2005,Dr. Quinn Leandro received herInstruments of Appointment fromGovernor General Sir James Carlisleappointing her to the position in theabsence of the Prime Minister.

The Minister received muchcommendations from all sectors of thesociety for achieving the distinction ofbeing the first woman to act as PrimeMinister. She was entrusted with theposition by Prime Minister BaldwinSpencer, who left the country to attendan OECS Heads of GovernmentMeeting with the President of the WorldBank.

Commenting on herappointment, Dr. Quinn-Leandro saidthat while she is humbled by thehonour the Prime Minister hasconferred upon her she sees it as atribute to the women, young men andwomen of this nation. “For this I thankPrime Minister Spencer tremendously,”she noted.




Antigua and BarbudaDefence Force to beupgraded Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer

has committed his administration towardsthe transformation of the Antigua andBarbuda Defence Force (ABDF) into aninstitution ready to meet the evolvingsecurity challenges of the 21st Century.

Prime Minister Spencer made theannouncement during a presentationceremony while honouring members of theADBF for their contribution over the years.He noted that the time had come for theABDF to become a more flexible securityforce.

“My government has thereforeapproved the transformation of the Infantrybattalion of the ABDF into a Marine Unitthat will more efficiently address thesecurity concerns of our nation. TheMarine Unit would be better trained andequipped to function independently in amaritime environment and would be betterpoised to support the ABDF Coast Guardin its counter narcotics, counter terrorismand other security related maritimeoperations,” he said.

The Prime Ministeradded that the boom in theCruise Tourism Industry hasalso brought with it an elevatedthreat to acts of terrorism andoutlined that his Governmenthas seen it necessary tomandate the ABDF to provideescort duties for the cruisevessels and security patrols inand around St. John’s Harbour,focusing on the security ofvessels docked at HeritageQuay.

He said, “In addition, theblossoming Pleasure CraftIndustry in English and

Falmouth Harbours requires conformity toInternational Ship and Port Security codestandards; therefore, my government inconjunction with the US Military willembark on the construction of a satelliteABDF Coast Guard Base in the said areawithin the first half of 2005. Mygovernment is further committed toestablishing a second satellite base inBarbuda, which would address the securityconcerns and significantly reduce theCoast Guard’s response time to the searchand rescue needs of Barbuda’s Maritimecommunity.”

Prime Minister Spencer also paidtribute to thesacrifices in servicemade by the officers,men and women ofthe Antigua andBarbuda DefenceForce through theircontributions tonational and regionalsecurity and stability.

Since theestablishment of theforce in 1981, it hasbeen deployed tohostile overseasmissions in Grenada,Haiti and Trinidad and

Tobago. Elements of the force haverecently returned from Grenada in theconduct of security, disaster relief andrebuilding efforts in the aftermath ofHurricane Ivan.

The ABDF Officers were praisedfor their involvement in communitydevelopment through the adoption ofschools, its involvement in charitableconstruction projects, the assistance in thesecurity of schools, its pivotal role in therecent review of the Boys Training School,its participation in the review for theimplementation of a National YouthService and the beautification of some ofour landmarks.

Prime Minister Spencer statedthat his government is determined to equipthe Force for greater interaction andservice within the community.

Over twenty-five officers of theADBF were honoured for their long anddistinguished service in the force,outstanding service during HurricaneLenny, Exercise Tradewinds 2002 andoutstanding service through the NationalCadet Corps. Members of the VolunteerUnit and Civilians were also honoured.





5

Minister Cort addressesHeads of State andGovernment at UNConference in Mauritius In a bold and forceful address toHeads of State and Government attendinga crucial United Nations conference on thefuture of Small Island Developing States(SIDS), on the island of Mauritius, Ministerof Finance and the Economy, Dr. ErrolCort, challenged the participants toproduce outcomes that are “…practical;measurable, implementable and timebound.”

Seizing on what he described asa “…unique opportunity to share theconcerns of and seek appropriateassistance from the internationalcommunity for SIDS,” Minister Cortidentified the economy; the environment;new and existing infrastructure; education;health care; employment; and goodgovernance, as among the most “urgentconcerns” of Antigua and Barbuda.

During his well-received addressto the Heads, the Minister identified anumber of key issues confronting SIDS ingeneral and Antigua and Barbuda inparticular. He also provided the

Conference with a list of the concreteactions Antigua and Barbuda’sgovernment had taken to address thechallenges of sustainable development atthe national level. These include: annualpublic sector budgets based on realisticrevenue projections and involvingstakeholder consultations; a NationalStrategic Development Plan that will detailthe Government’s economic programmesfor the period 2005-2010; theestablishment of an Investment Authoritythat will serve as a one-stop-shop forinvestors; the establishment of an IntegrityCommission; a Prevention of CorruptionAct; and the establishment of a NationalEconomic and Social Council to promotethe goals of economic growth anddevelopment, and participation ineconomic decision-making and socialequity.

In highlighting the importantcontributions of civil society to theachievement of sustainable developmentof Antigua and Barbuda, The Ministernoted that “…[the] government is makingevery effort to involve [civil society] in allaspects.” As an example, he cited currentefforts aimed at “…finalizing a NationalEnvironmental Management Strategy,which [would require] the government tocollaborate with civil society to develop,implement and promote a programme thatwill ensure the proper management of [thenation’s] natural resources”

The United Nations InternationalMeeting to Review the Implementation ofthe Programme of Action for theSustainable Development of Small IslandDeveloping States is seen by SIDS as anopportunity to present their case to theinternational community and to seekpartnerships and innovative ways toimprove their situation. More than 2,000participants from the islands, theirtraditional donor partners and othercountries, including a number of Heads ofState and Government, participated in themeeting, which took place from 10th to14th January, 2005.

Minister Cort concluded hisspeech with an expression of condolencefrom the government and people ofAntigua and Barbuda, to the governmentand people of the countries of South EastAsia which were affected by the tsunami ofDecember 2004.



Attorney General condemnsbombing of Mansoor familybusiness

In a statement, the AttorneyGeneral said that it was an intentionalcalculated criminal act against the Mansoorfamily and in particular the recentlyappointed Minister of Information,Broadcasting, Dr. Edmond Mansoor, whorecently has come under serious attacksfrom supporters loyal to the oppositionAntigua Labour Party.

The Minister said that to thinkotherwise would be naïve. “Since thehistoric victory of the United ProgressiveParty Government on March 23, 2004, therehas undoubtedly been an unrelentingvilification by certain sections of theelectronic media, against Dr. EdmondMansoor and his family. This much is clear.There has definitely been a progressiveincitement to “race hate” and violence evenat a time when the world soberlycommemorates the 60th anniversary of theliberation of the survivors of the Holocaustwith a message of tolerance, peace andlove,” he outlined.

He continued, “Fellow citizens, wecannot appear to go down the road of the1970’s. It is not without some significancethat then as now the Antigua Labour Partywas in opposition and that then as now ZDKwas in their total and manipulative control,”he said.

“We have instructed our nationalsecurity forces to act decisively, taking intoaccount all relevant and surroundingcircumstances. I have every confidencethat the Police will seek during theirinvestigation to question all those whosewords and actions could be linked to thiscriminal act,” the Attorney Generalconcluded.


6

PM attends LIAT meetingin Barbados On the 8th January a meeting ofregional leaders and members of theBoard of LIAT 1974 was convened inBarbados in a bid to once again addressthe financial woes of the regional carrier.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer,who attended the meeting with Advisor inthe Ministry of Communications on mattersrelating to LIAT, Mr. Brian Challenger, saidthat his government remains committed tokeeping LIAT flying and will continue tolend its support to the restructuring of thecarrier.

Prime Minister Spencer addedthat his government sees LIAT as playinga vital role in the soon to be establishedCARICOM Single Market and Economy,moving people within a single economicspace and as a government they areprepared to play their part and contributetowards making the airline viable.

In October last year theGovernment of Prime Minister Spencer,through an act of parliament, agreed toinject 5.7 million dollars into the cashstrapped airline through a loan of $17million from the Government of theRepublic of Trinidad and Tobago.Barbados and St. Vincent and theGrenadines will also benefit from the loanfacility.

The government of Antigua andBarbuda owns 20.3 percent shares inLIAT, followed by Barbados with 24.4percent, St. Vincent and the Grenadineswith 17.6 per cent and BWIA with 13 percent. Private shareholders, local banks,LIAT employees and the private sectorcontrol the remaining shares.

Nation movingforward inEducation On 12th JanuaryMinister of EducationBertrand Joseph andMinister of AgricultureCharlesworth Samuel metmembers of the StanfordFinancial Group to discussInvestment of $25M thatwas pledged to theadvancement of educationin Antigua and Barbuda.

The groups’vision, according to Minister Joseph, is settowards Secondary education andtherefore everyone can look forward to theconstruction of a state-of-the-artsecondary school.

The school will be built on a largeportion of land and consideration will betaken into account for an agricultural aswell as an athletic component. There willalso be language arts as well as computerlabs and all other modern facilities.

Although the site has not beenfinalized the Minister said that the newsecondary school will ease the over-crowding situation in other secondarylearning institutions. For the first time allthe views of stakeholders in education willbe used to conceptualize this newsecondary school.

Minister Joseph continued thatthis learning institution will be one ofexcellence, not in terms of architecture,but what will be offered.

Stanford keeps his word tomatch funds for new library On 12th January a chequetotalling EC$101,970 was presented to theMinister of Education on behalf of R. Allen

Stanford and his Group. The cheque isStanford’s matching contribution to fundsraised between the time of his originalpresentation of $1M to the library fund andthe 15th December 2004.

“Mr. Allen Stanford has kept hisword”. That was the sentiment of MinisterBertrand Joseph in accepting the cheque.

This latest contribution by Mr.Stanford according to the Minister will go along way towards making the librarybecome a realization, one that will educatethe people of Antigua and Barbuda as wellas empower them.

Dr Austin Josiah, Vice Chair ofthe National Library Building Committeeaccepted the cheque on its behalf.

Dr. Josiah also noted that theHadeed’s have pledged $1.3M tocomplete the payment on furniture for thebuilding.

The steel frame structure of thebuilding is underway and the library isexpected to be completed within the nextnine months.



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7

Health Care Providersattend HIV/AIDS NutritionalWorkshop From the 24th to 28th JanuaryHealth Care providers in Antigua andBarbuda attended a Nutrition andHIV/AIDS Workshop at the City View Hotelin St. John’s.

The workshop, conducted by theCaribbean Food and Nutrition Institute(CFNI) in collaboration with the AIDSSecretariat, was aimed at instructing theparticipants on the use of a nutritionalmanual in the assessment and care ofHIV-infected individuals.

Health Minister John Maginley,who declared the workshop open, said thathe hoped the participants would use theopportunity to become aware of theirpersonal views and feelings of stigma anddiscrimination towards people living withHIV/AIDS as negative attitudes.“Discrimination,” he said, “can create oneof the greatest barriers to effectivemanagement.”

Minister Maginley added that theAIDS epidemic continues to present hugechallenges for our nation, as it does for theentire world. While efforts to prevent newcases of HIV are being intensified,treatment strategies must keep pace withthe most up-to-date scientific information.

CFNI Dietician and Nutritionist,June Holdip said the workshop wouldassist the health care providers to handlenutritional problems that they mayencounter from time to time while dealingwith persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

AIDS Programme Manager,Janet Weston said that healthcare workersshould be equipped with the necessaryknowledge and skills in order to guidepersons living with HIV/AIDS on how to

make the best choices forhealthy eating and living.

Healthy eatingpatterns, she added, can helpto boost the immune systemand prevent or correct nutritionrelated problems, thus helpingto delay the progression fromHIV infection to full-blownAIDS.

During the four-dayworkshop, participantscovered topics such asnutritional implications, inter-disciplinary health care, nutritional careprocess, anti-retroviral therapy, pregnancyand mother-to-child-transmission, HIVinfected children and case studies.

HIV/AIDS patients in Antiguaand Barbuda receive freeanti-retroviral drugs The Government of Antigua andBarbuda and the Clinton Foundation havecollaborated to provide anti-retroviraldrugs to persons who are affected withHIV/AIDS.

Minister of Health John Maginleymade the announcement while noting thatthe new initiative is a major step in thedevelopment of the national AIDSprogramme.

The Health Minister also addedthat not only will the drugs be availablewithout direct cost to individuals but acomprehensive programme withsupervision by Clinical Coordinator DrPrince Ramsey and collaboration withNutrition and other healthcare personnelwill ensure that the best possible standardof care is provided to persons living withHIV/AIDS.

Already the programme toprevent mother to child transmission has

seen positive results, according to MinisterMaginley. He said that so far no babiesborn to HIV positive mothers, who havebeen treated appropriately have beendiagnosed with HIV.

Minister Maginley also noted thatmothers are also provided with infantformula for up to six months by the AIDSSecretariat to help reduce any hardshipson the affected families and to enablethem to adhere to recommendations forreducing mother to child transmission ofthe virus by avoiding breastfeeding.

The Minister said that the trainingof healthcare workers in the areas ofNutrition and HIV/AIDS is also well timedwith the establishment of voluntarycounseling and testing services at thevarious centres across the island.

Studies have shown that personsliving with HIV/AIDS improve their qualityof life tremendously when emphasis isplaced on proper nutrition as part of ahealthy life style.

Healthcare workers involved inproviding voluntary counselling and testingservices are in a key position to include intheir counselling the importance of goodnutrition from the earliest stage of thedisease process.

By Teste ThomasPRO Ministry of Health




8

IMF Executive Directorvisit Antigua andBarbuda On the 26th January theInternational Monetary Fund IMFExecutive Director for Antigua andBarbuda, Mr Kevin Lynch, along with hisassistant, Richard Campbell, paid acourtesy call on the Minister of Financeand the Economy, Dr Errol Cort, andsenior officials in the Ministry.

During the meeting discussionsfocused on the Government’s progress ina number of areas, including institutionalstrengthening, taxation and debtmanagement.

Mr. Lynch was very positive withregard to the steps that have been taken todate, and the plans which were outlined bythe Minister in Budget 2005.

The Executive Director, whoincidentally was former Deputy FinanceMinister in the government of Canada,further undertook to use his influence toassist the Government of Antigua andBarbuda in securing whatever support isnecessary to ensure that the country issuccessful in its effort to overcome itscurrent economic and fiscal challenges.

Also attending the meeting wasMr. David O. Robinson, team leader of theIMF’s last Article IV mission to Antigua andBarbuda in September 2004.

Mr. Robinson expressedsatisfaction with plans tabled by theMinister and hailed the Government’spolicy of openness and transparency infinancial matters, as a new paradigm withrespect to fiscal reform.

National Home andBusiness LightingCompetition to berenamed Prime Minister Baldwin Spencerhas announced that the National Homeand Business Lighting Competition shouldbe renamed the Festival of Lights.

The Prime Minister was speakingat the awards ceremony for the 2004Lighting competition which has been heldfor the past 8 years under the auspices ofthe Prime Minister.

“Our annual lightingcompetition and the widerbrightening of the night arefitting for a nation with the sunemblazoned on its flag. The sunis also proclaimed on theLicence Plates of the motorvehicles on our roads as one ofour country’s recognised naturalattributes. In this context, Iinvite the organising committeeto consider renaming the annualLighting competition the“FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS,” hesaid.

“This would be a naturalevolution. After all, what

happens when we light up for Christmasevery year is truly a “FESTIVAL OFLIGHTS”. Antigua and Barbuda’s“FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” can span ourIndependence and HomecomingFestivals, through Christmas, into Easter.This would embrace the winter touristseason and enhance the experiencevisitors enjoy,” Prime Minister Spenceroutlined.

The Prime Minister alsocomplimented the organizers of the 2004Lighting Competition for the enlightenedchange and for their service to thecommunity in organising the competitionand for arranging the awards event.




9

“Theirs was a job well done. I thank them.Tonight, the spotlight properly falls on thewinners of the National Home andBusiness Lighting Festival. Tonight’srecipients are judged to have been mostsuccessful in making our sunshine nationbrighter with their creative use ofmanufactured light,” he said

Prime Minister Spencercongratulated the recipients and thosewho made the extra effort in entering theLighting Competition. The individuals whoconceived and developed the event werealso commended.

The 2004 competition was wonby Donna Francis from the North Zonewho won cash prizes totalling EC$5000and a day pass for two at the Jolly BeachResort. The winner of the BusinessLighting Competition was ShoulsToys/Gifts and Housewares.

Prime Minister Spencerleads delegation to FirstChina-Caribbean Economicand Trade CooperationForum On 1st February Prime MinisterBaldwin Spencer headed Antigua andBarbuda’s delegation to the First China-Caribbean Economic and TradeCooperation Forum in Kingston Jamaica.

Included in the delegation to thefour day forum which will saw leaders ofthe region interacting with Vice-Presidentof the People’s Republic of China (PRC),Mr. Zeng Quinghong were TourismMinister Harold Lovell, Ambassador to thePRC David Shoul, Permanent Secretary inthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs AmbassadorColin Murdoch and Marketing Manager ofthe Industrial Development Board GayeHechme.

The Prime Minister who recentlypaid a State Visit to the People’s Republicof China and held discussions with Vice-President Zeng will sign a Memorandum ofUnderstanding with the PRC on thefacilitation of Group Travel by ChineseTourists to Antigua and Barbuda.

Prime Minister Spencer said thatthe Business Conference of the Forumpresented an opportunity for companies inAntigua and Barbuda to market theirproducts to the Chinese officials anddevelop business links with the variousChinese and Caribbean companies whichare expected to improve the manufacturingand service sectors in the region.

“We’ve had a long and beneficialrelationship with the Chinese Governmentand this Forum has opened avenues formy government to work closer with thePRC Government. The seminars onTrade, Human Resources Agriculture,Fisheries and Technology and Tourismhas provided an avenue for us to attractinvestments from China,” outlined PrimeMinister Spencer.

During the Inter-governmentalexchange which made possiblegovernment to government exchanges;Tourism Minister Harold Lovell presenteda paper on Human Resource Developmentin the Caribbean.

The Trade Forum and Fair, inwhich a number of Antiguan and Barbudancompanies participated, greatly enhancedthe level of technical and economiccooperation Antigua and Barbuda hasalready received from the Chinese.

The Antigua and Barbuda CruiseTourism Association, Town HouseFurnishings, Antigua Home and GardenDiscount Centre, Bike Plus, Little B & JFabric Store, Sight Sound and Time GiftShop, Hendersons Limited and EagleGarment Factory are among the Antiguanand Barbudan companies that participatedin the Trade Forum and Fair.

Ministers of Governmentparticipate in CARICADRetreat

On the 29th and 30th January2005 the CARIBBEAN Centre forDevelopment Administration (CARICAD)facilitated a Retreat for GovernmentMinisters at the Jolly Beach Resort.

The CARICAD team expoundedon the roles of Ministers, PermanentSecretaries, Chief Establishment Officers,Financial Secretaries and CabinetSecretaries within the Westminster-Whitehall system of parliamentarydemocracy practiced in Antigua andBarbuda.

The retreat also assessed therole of the Public Service Commission andthe proposed merger of established andnon-established workers into one publicservice. A special committee has beencharged with producing a detailedassessment of senior public sectorappointments and formulating a policydocument to be presented to Cabinet.

The committee comprisesAttorney-General and Minister of LegalAffairs Justin Simon, Dr. EdmondMansoor, Minister of State in the PrimeMinister's Office, Clarvis Joseph and CeliaRoberts.

Minister of Labour and PublicAdministration, Dr Quinn-Leandro, willchair the committee.

The team will receive technicaland research support from CARICAD.

A final retreat bringing togetherMinisters and Permanent Secretaries willbe held in the first quarter of this year.




10

Sail away in Antigua

Antigua will soon be preparing forits 38th annual Sailing Week, when theworld’s fastest and most attractive yachtscongregate for racing and a series of socialevents.

Sailing Week will take place invarious stunning locations around theisland and is thoroughly enjoyable for bothsailors and spectators. With a wide rangeof activities and events together withAntigua’s idyllic climate and some of thebest beaches in the world, the internationalregatta is indeed a very entertaining event.

2005 Sailing Week promises tobe the most spectacular with the growth ofthe international sailing community andeven more beautiful luxury sailboats.Antigua Sailing Week is now the largestregatta in the Caribbean and one of the topthree regattas in the world.

The festivities begin with theCavalier Rum Beach Party at Pigeon Pointon Thursday 21st April, with the official startof Sailing Week commencing on theSunday and closing with The LordNelson’s Ball on 30th April.

Sailing Week 2005 officiallybegins 24th April and ends 30th April 2005.

BARBUDABeautifulBarbuda onlya boat ride awayfrom AntiguaAntigua and BarbudaTourist Office is pleasedto announce the launchof a new ferry servicebetween the two islands.

Previously the only way forvisitors to travel was a short 20-min flight.The new Antigua - Barbuda Ferry takes1hr 30mins (check-in 1hr prior todeparture) and costs EC$135(approximately £28) return. It presents anexcellent opportunity for visitors to view thespectacular coastlines of the two islands.

Surrounded by crystal clearwaters, Antigua’s sister island Barbuda, issparsely populated and less frequentlyvisited than any other island in the region.Barbuda boasts one of the most stunningsecluded pink sand beaches in the world,a rich and varied wildlife and beautiful coralreefs. Barbuda is the perfect destinationfor those yearning for a peaceful, relaxingretreat.

The ferry, which began service inDecember 2004, departs at 8.30am onWednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays andSundays from Heritage Quay, St John’sand arrives at River Dock, Barbuda. Thereturn service from Barbuda departs at3.15pm.

On Tuesdays and Fridays theservice departs Antigua at 4.45pm andreturns the following day from Barbuda at6.30am.



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